According to Keeping Current Matters, if you hit pause on your moving plans last year, you weren't alone. The real estate market in 2024 was nothing short of unpredictable, and many potential buyers found themselves stepping back from their home search. According to recent data, around 70% of homebuyers decided to take a break from searching. With high prices, fluctuating mortgage rates, and limited inventory, it's easy to see why so many people found it difficult to find a home that met both their needs and budget. But guess what? The tides are starting to turn. The Market is shifting in a way that could make now the perfect time to restart your search. Whether you were waiting for the right moment to buy, sell, or upgrade, the conditions today are vastly different from where we stood a year ago. Here's why you might want to hit play on your moving plans again. 1. More Inventory Means More Choices One of the most frustrating challenges for homebuyers in the past couple of years was the sheer lack of available properties. It felt like every time you found a home you liked, it was already under contract or snapped up by another buyer. If this scenario sounds familiar, you're not alone. But now, there's good news – inventory is on the rise, which means more homes to choose from. According to Realtor.com , the housing inventory has jumped by 27.5% since the same time last year. This increase gives you more options, whether you're looking for a cozy starter home, a family-friendly property, or a luxury retreat. The extra choices mean less pressure to settle for something that doesn't quite fit your vision. If you were hesitant to sell your home last year because you weren't sure where you'd move next, now is a great time to reconsider. With more homes available, the risk of getting stuck without a place to go has diminished significantly. 2. Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer Another factor that made buying a home so stressful last year was how quickly properties were selling. In a market with limited inventory, homes were flying off the shelves, leaving buyers with little time to think through their decisions. This fast pace was especially tough if you were trying to buy and sell at the same time. But with more homes on the Market today, things are slowing down a bit – and that's actually a good thing. The latest data shows that homes are staying on the Market an average of 8% longer this year compared to 2024. While it may not sound like much, this shift provides much-needed breathing room for buyers. An extra week or so might not seem like a huge difference, but that small change can make a world of difference when you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. This additional time gives you the flexibility to weigh your options, view multiple properties, and ultimately make a more informed decision. 3. Buyers Are Returning to the Market While inventory is up, it's important to note that demand is still strong. As more buyers return to the Market, homes are still selling well, especially those that are priced competitively. Even though inventory levels are still below pre-pandemic norms by about 23%, well-priced homes are still seeing plenty of interest. So, if you're considering selling your home, don't let concerns about longer market times deter you. Buyers are out there, and they're actively looking for their next home. The key is to price your property thoughtfully, ensuring that it's attractive in comparison to other listings in your area. 4. Less Pressure to Make a Quick Offer In the past, the fear of missing out (FOMO) was a driving force for many homebuyers. With so many buyers competing for limited properties, many were pressured to make fast decisions and offer over the asking price just to secure a deal. While this strategy worked for some, it left many buyers feeling rushed and uncertain. Now that the Market has cooled slightly, there's less pressure to jump at the first property you see. Homes are staying on the Market longer, which gives you the opportunity to take your time and evaluate whether a particular home truly meets your needs. For those looking to move, this slower pace is a welcome change that can help ensure you make a confident, well-thought-out decision. 5. Great Opportunities for Sellers Who Are Ready to Move If you're a homeowner considering selling your property, the current market conditions still present a great opportunity. Despite the longer time homes have stayed in the Market, well-priced properties are still in demand. And since inventory levels are still lower than pre-pandemic averages, your home can stand out if it's priced right and in good condition. Whether you're looking to upgrade to a larger home, downsize, or relocate, the growing inventory means you have more options to find your next dream property. And with more time to find that perfect home, there's less pressure to make a hasty decision. 6. Mortgage Rates Are More Predictable While mortgage rates have fluctuated wildly in recent years, buyers are starting to see some stability. Rates may still be higher than the historic lows we saw in 2020, but they've become more predictable and steady, giving buyers a clearer picture of what to expect. This predictability means you can plan your finances with more confidence, whether you're securing a new mortgage or refinancing your current loan. For many, this stability could be the final push they need to jump back into the Market after months or even years of uncertainty. Bottom Line: The Market Is Moving – So Should You If you paused your moving plans in 2025, now is an excellent time to reconsider. The real estate market is showing positive signs, with more inventory, slower market speeds, and an increase in buyer activity. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply explore your options, this shift in the Market presents a new opportunity to make your move. For sellers, this is a great time to list your home, as long as you're pricing it thoughtfully. For buyers, the expanded inventory and a bit more breathing room in terms of time can help you make a confident decision without feeling rushed. Real estate markets go through cycles, and right now, we're in a phase that's offering more flexibility and fewer pressures. If you've been waiting for the right time, that moment may very well be now. Ready to move? Contact us now, and let's discuss your Real estate goals. Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

The monthly median house sales price began its usual rebound from the mid-winter low and also increased year over year. It will typically continue to rise through June as the spring market heats up. The median condo/co-op sales price also increased on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis. The quantity of new listings coming on market usually rises quickly to peak in mid-late spring. The number in February ticked up 4% year over year. The supply of active listings in February 2025 was the highest month-of-February count in 6 years, but still significantly below pre-pandemic norms. Active listings can be expected to rise month by month into autumn. On an annual basis, the number of existing-home sales in 2024 hit its lowest point in 30 years. This monthly chart depicts the effects of the pandemic boom and then soaring interest rates in 2022, while also illustrating how market seasonality plays out within the calendar year. February 2025 sales rose from January, but declined from February 2024. Months supply of inventory is a comparison of supply vs.  demand, measuring how long it would take to sell the inventory of active listings at the existing rate of sale. On a long-term, pre-pandemic basis, the MSI in February 2025 would not be considered high, but it was the highest February reading since 2019.   Since the early-year market is dominated by new listings, February is not normally a month with a high number of price reductions, however last month did have the highest count for the month of February in 6 years. Mortgage interest rates remained significantly down from mid-January when they rose above 7%. Every tick down improves affordability. It's been a rocky, volatile time in stock markets as investors try to get a handle on the political and economic uncertainty prevailing nationally and internationally. After a huge plunge, markets started to rebound, but it's beyond us to predict what may happen next. After 4 months of increases, inflation declined slightly in the latest reading, but concerns remain regarding the future direction of this major economic indicator. Population change is a big factor in housing markets. This new U.S. Census map illustrates % population changes by county: In the latest 12-month estimates, populations generally rose in metro areas, while dropping in many rural counties. The next 2 charts delineate national changes in 1) the last 12-month period measured by the Census, and 2) since the pandemic hit. Immigration into the country has accounted for the great majority of recent increases in U.S. population. And these charts break out net domestic migration - people moving between regions within the country - and net foreign migration among 4 broad national regions. In domestic migration, only the south saw a net inflow, while all 4 saw substantial gains due to immigration from abroad. With the appreciation of home prices since 2012, and especially since 2020, homeowner equity now constitutes an enormous part of household wealth (for homeowners): Almost $35 trillion. Source: compass.com National and regional statistics are generalities, essentially summaries generated by thousands of unique, individual listings and sales occurring across different market segments. They are best seen not as precise measurements, but as broad, comparative indicators with reasonable margins of error. Anomalous fluctuations in statistics are not uncommon, and last period data should be considered preliminary estimates which may be revised in future updates. Different analytics programs sometimes define standard statistics differently – such as “active listings,” “days on market,” and “months supply of inventory”: What is most meaningful are not specific numeric calculations but the trends they illustrate. Data from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors, and subject to revision. All numbers to be considered approximate, and how these analyses apply to any particular property is unknown without a specific comparative market analysis.

Compass One empowers you with the full capabilities of the Compass platform, making your real estate journey seamless while providing 24/7 transparency and peace of mind every step of the way. This intuitive dashboard not only serves as a shared access point for us to stay connected but also unlocks exclusive tools, inventory, and services available only at Compass. Looking to buy? Discover homes only available on Compass, filter and compare properties, save and share the ones you love, and connect with me in real-time. Looking to sell? Monitor the market and track your listing’s traffic and engagement metrics so that we can adjust our strategy accordingly and make data-backed decisions. We can even see how often your listing is viewed, liked, or shared so we can focus on potential buyers already interested in your home. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, with Compass One , you can: Keep up to date  | Stay on top of your transaction with a clear timeline of upcoming steps, recent updates, and pending tasks. Stay organized  | Easily reference signed documents, forms, and paperwork at any time — all accessible from one place.   Want to learn more about how Compass One can streamline your real estate journey? Contact us today to explore exclusive tools, real-time market insights, and personalized support every step of the way! Source: compass.com

According to U.S.News , when searching for a home, buyers often focus on location, layout, and amenities—but the view from the windows can be just as influential. Whether it’s a serene treetop canopy, an expansive open landscape, or a breathtaking waterfront scene, the view can enhance the quality of life and significantly impact property value. As real estate professionals, we understand that a great view does more than just provide something beautiful to look at—it can affect mood, health, and even financial return. Let’s explore the different types of home views and why they matter to both homeowners and buyers.   1. No-View or Limited-View Homes: Are They Always Undesirable?   Not every home comes with a stunning vista, but that doesn’t mean they lack value. Some homes may face blank walls, enclosed courtyards, or other buildings. While this might seem like a disadvantage, these properties can offer benefits such as enhanced privacy, reduced noise, and a sense of security—particularly in urban environments. For buyers seeking a quiet, distraction-free atmosphere, a limited-view home can actually be a perfect fit.   2. Treetop Views: Nature’s Ever-Changing Canvas Homes with treetop views provide a lush, green escape from the urban hustle. These views change with the seasons, offering a dynamic backdrop that brings nature closer to home. Treetop views are known to promote relaxation, boost mental well-being, and attract local wildlife like birds and squirrels, creating a peaceful retreat for homeowners. 3. Open Views: Uninterrupted Beauty  For those who crave a sense of openness, homes with vast, unobstructed views are highly desirable. Whether overlooking rolling hills, open fields, or a scenic valley, these homes provide a feeling of expansiveness and freedom. Open views are especially valuable in rural or high-altitude locations, where they contribute to a home’s sense of exclusivity and tranquility.   4. Protected Views: A Secure Investment  Buyers often worry that their beautiful view could be blocked by future developments. That’s why protected views—those overlooking landmarked sites, wildlife preserves, or height-restricted zones—are particularly appealing. Some homeowners even purchase adjacent land to safeguard their scenery.   In competitive markets, real estate professionals can provide zoning analysis to help buyers determine if their view is likely to remain untouched.   5. Water Views: A Premium Lifestyle Waterfront properties have long been associated with luxury, and for good reason. A home with a lake, river, or ocean view is not just visually stunning but can increase property value by up to 80%, according to some reports. However, waterfront properties also come with risks—rising insurance costs and environmental changes, such as flooding and erosion, may impact long-term value. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully when considering a home by the water. 6. Airplane Views: Living Among the Clouds   For those who love cityscapes and panoramic skylines, high-rise living offers a unique perspective. Penthouse apartments and mountain homes provide stunning aerial views, often featuring twinkling city lights at night and vast landscapes during the day. While these views can be mesmerizing, high-altitude homes sometimes contend with fog or cloud cover that may obscure the scenery at times.   Why Views Matter in Real Estate The importance of a home’s view goes beyond aesthetics—it plays a role in daily comfort, resale value, and even emotional well-being. Natural light, scenery, and a connection to the surrounding environment all contribute to the experience of homeownership. Buyers should consider not only what they see today but also what changes might come in the future.  At the end of the day, a home is more than just four walls—it’s a place where life unfolds. Finding a property with a view that resonates with you can make all the difference in turning a house into a dream home.  Thinking of buying or selling a home with a stunning view? Let’s connect and explore your options!   Source: usnews.com

Source: compass.com

According to CNBC, mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest levels since mid-December, offering a great opportunity for homebuyers and refinancers. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), total mortgage application volume saw a slight decline of 1.2% last week, but the improving rate environment continues to support market activity. Mortgage Rate Trends and Market Impact The recent decline in rates presents an encouraging sign for buyers and homeowners looking to refinance. While borrowing costs remain above historic lows, this trend creates more affordability and potential savings. The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage with a 20% down payment also saw a decrease in points, dropping to 0.61 from 0.66, further reducing upfront costs. Refinancing Activity Sees Strong Annual Growth After a surge in refinancing at the start of the year, last week saw a 4% dip in refinance applications. However, demand remains significantly higher than last year, when mortgage rates were 16 basis points higher. Many homeowners are still exploring opportunities to secure better terms and lower their monthly payments. Home Purchase Activity and Housing Supply Home purchase mortgage applications remained steady compared to the previous week, reflecting resilience in buyer interest. More homes are coming onto the market, giving buyers greater selection. While housing inventory is still relatively tight, these additional options create positive momentum without significant price drops. Looking Ahead: More Affordability on the Horizon? According to Mortgage News Daily, mortgage rates continued their downward trend at the start of this week, falling by another 0.22% over four business days. While this drop may seem minor, rates have been moving within a narrow range for the past month. If this trend continues, it could further boost buyer confidence and affordability. For those considering buying a home or refinancing, now may be a great time to explore mortgage options before rates shift again. If you have any questions about the market or need assistance with your home search, feel free to reach out! Source: cnbc.com

According to keepingcurrentmatters.com, many buyers are waiting for mortgage rates to drop before purchasing a home. While experts predict a decline, rates are likely to remain between 6.5% and 7% rather than falling below 6% as previously expected. If you're delaying your home purchase in hopes of significantly lower rates, you may be waiting longer than anticipated. Alternative Financing Options to Consider Instead of waiting, exploring creative financing options could help make homeownership more affordable now. Here are three strategies to discuss with your lender: Mortgage Buydowns – By paying an upfront fee, you can lower your interest rate for a set period, reducing your monthly payments early on. Many first-time buyers are negotiating buydowns with sellers to offset higher rates. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – ARMs start with a lower interest rate than fixed-rate loans, making them a smart choice if you plan to refinance later. Unlike the risky ARMs of the early 2000s, today’s versions require buyers to qualify at higher potential payments, reducing financial risk. Assumable Mortgages – Some buyers can take over a seller’s existing loan, including its lower rate. With over 11 million homes qualifying for this option, it’s worth considering if you're looking for a more favorable rate. If you're ready to explore homeownership despite current mortgage rates, reach out to the Benson Group today to discuss your options. Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

According to fortune.com, 2024 has seen the highest new home sales in three years, with 683,000 homes sold. This increase comes despite persistently high mortgage rates, offering hope for buyers looking to enter the market. Home values reached near-record highs in 2024, with the median price at $419,200. However, experts predict that 2025 could bring price relief as new construction ramps up, creating more inventory and putting downward pressure on prices for both new and existing homes. In high-growth areas like the Sunbelt, demand for homes continues to outpace supply, potentially keeping prices higher. Meanwhile, mortgage rates hover around 7%, a challenge for buyers accustomed to the low rates of the pandemic era. Sellers should be cautious about pricing too high in this environment, as homes that stay on the market for too long could face price reductions. Simple home improvements, like fresh paint or bathroom updates, could help sellers stand out. For buyers, new homes may offer more value in 2025, with builders potentially offering incentives like mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost credits. If you're looking to buy or sell in the current market, contact Benson Group for expert guidance and a strategy that works for you. Source: fortune.com

After significantly declining in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2024, the average mortgage interest rate bounced back up in the last 4 months. This chart illustrates annual, median, existing-house sales prices, but annual condo/co-op prices also increased. Note that median sales prices can be affected by other factors besides changes in fair market value. For example, if affluent buyers increase their percentage share of homes purchased, as they did in 2024, that will help pull median prices up simply because they buy more expensive homes. A review of approximate, year-over-year, house-price appreciation rates. Due to trends in population migration, new-home construction, and housing affordability, the southern region of the country has been dominating home sales in recent years. Illustrating regional home-price appreciation rates since 1990: Over the shorter term, annual appreciation changes can vary significantly between regions, but over the longer term, regional rates generally move roughly in parallel, affected by the same major macroeconomic conditions. 2024 saw a significant rebound from 2023 in the number of new listings, but the count remained far down from long-term standards - with considerable impact on supply and demand dynamics. Many would-be sellers are still holding off, reluctant to trade a low interest rate loan for a much higher rate on a new home. Of course, this does not apply to the increasing percentage of buyers who pay all-cash, and high levels of home equity and soaring stock markets are big factors in this trend. The monthly, average number of homes for sale rose substantially in 2024 to its highest point in 4 years, but didn't compare with norms before the pandemic hit. Impacted by a number of factors, total sales volume remained very low in 2024. Sales did not keep pace with the increase in listings, creating a cooling effect on national market conditions, though median sales prices still rose. (How any of these national trends apply to specific markets and market segments can vary widely.) The next 2 charts illustrate the enormous effect of seasonality on supply and demand: The first chart below shows the ups and downs in the monthly number of homes put on the market. Hitting its nadir in December, it will now typically climb quickly to peak in late spring or early summer. Seaonality in demand: Monthly sales volumes closely follow new-listing activity. Note that some markets see different trends: For example, in big second-home markets, sales can peak during vacation months. A review of U.S. Census population-change maps over the past 3 years: In the last 12-month period measured, all but a few states saw population increases, including those which had seen significant previous declines (orange/brown) - their recent increases being mostly due to foreign immigration - but the highest growth states (dark green) generally remained the same since 2021. The crisis in homeowner's insurance availability and cost has been widely reported. Unfortunately, 2024 was a bad year for natural disasters, and 2025 has had a sad, terrible beginning. This table reviews approximate insurance costs across a selection of states - costs very much in flux - and lists some of the factors at play. ---- Source: compass.com National and regional statistics are generalities, essentially summaries generated by thousands of unique, individual listings and sales occurring across different market segments. They are best seen not as precise measurements, but as broad, comparative indicators with reasonable margins of error. Anomalous fluctuations in statistics are not uncommon, and last period data should be considered preliminary estimates which may be revised in future updates. Different analytics programs sometimes define standard statistics differently – such as “active listings,” “days on market,” and “months supply of inventory”: What is most meaningful are not specific numeric calculations but the trends they illustrate. Data from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors, and subject to revision. All numbers to be considered approximate, and how these analyses apply to any particular property is unknown without a specific comparative market analysis.

According to U.S. News, selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With a few smart tactics, you can attract buyers, stand out in a competitive market, and close the deal faster than you imagined. Here’s how to make your property irresistible and get it sold—quickly and for the best price. 1. Price It Strategically The right price can make or break your sale. Setting a fair, market-driven price from the start generates interest and brings motivated buyers to your door. 2.  Make the Exterior Shine First impressions matter. A welcoming front yard, a polished front door, and a clean driveway can set the perfect tone for buyers before they even step inside. 3. Declutter and Keep It Neutral Help buyers see themselves in your space by removing personal items and excess clutter. A clean, neutral home feels more spacious and inviting. 4. Use Staging to Wow Buyers A staged home sells faster—it’s that simple. Highlight your home’s best features with tasteful, modern decor and cozy accents that make an emotional connection. 5. Master the Art of Marketing Stand out with professional photos, engaging virtual tours, and an online listing that showcases your home’s unique appeal. A strong marketing strategy gets buyers through the door. 6. Stay Flexible with Showings The more accessible your home is for showings, the better. Accommodating potential buyers’ schedules—even last-minute ones—can speed up the process. 7. Address Minor Repairs Fix small issues like leaky faucets or cracked tiles to show buyers your home is move-in ready. These small updates can make a big difference in perception. 8. Showcase What’s Special Does your home have a standout feature? Whether it’s a spacious kitchen, a great location, or a beautiful view, make sure buyers know what makes your property exceptional. 9. Sweeten the Deal Entice buyers by offering perks like covering closing costs or including appliances. These small incentives can make your home even more appealing. 10. Partner with the Right Agent A skilled real estate agent is your greatest asset when selling your home. From providing expert pricing advice to creating a tailored marketing strategy, we’ll handle every detail to ensure your home stands out.  With these strategies in place, your home will be positioned for success in any market. Ready to take the next step? Contact us  today to discuss your goals, and let us guide you toward a smooth, profitable sale! Source: realestate.usnews.com

According to Keeping Current Matters, your next move could bring your family closer, save money, and open the door to a better lifestyle. It’s an idea gaining momentum, with 17% of homebuyers now choosing multi-generational homes—houses shared by parents, adult children, and sometimes extended relatives. This is the highest level ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and for good reason. Let’s explore why this trend is growing and how it might be the perfect solution for your family. Making Homeownership More Affordable Buying a home in today’s market can be challenging with rising prices and mortgage rates. Multi-generational living offers a smart and practical solution by combining resources. Pooling incomes allows families to share the financial responsibilities of homeownership, from mortgages to utilities and beyond. This approach not only eases financial strain but may also enable you to afford a larger, more accommodating home that meets everyone’s needs. The opportunity to team up with family isn’t just about cost-saving—it’s about making homeownership attainable while creating a lifestyle that works for all generations. Strengthening Family Bonds The benefits of multi-generational living extend far beyond financial gains. Sharing a home means more opportunities to connect, whether through daily meals, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Grandparents can provide invaluable support with childcare or share stories and traditions, while younger generations bring energy and new ideas to the household. With everyone working together, household responsibilities are easier to manage, giving you more time to focus on what matters most—each other. A Lifestyle Built for Today In a fast-paced world, multi-generational homes offer a perfect blend of practicality and connection. Whether it’s about saving on costs, finding more space, or simply being closer to family, this lifestyle is designed to meet the demands of modern life. Ready to Find Your Family’s Dream Home? At Benson Group, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities of multi-generational living and find a home that meets your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re dreaming of more space or just starting to explore your options, let’s work together to make it happen. Contact us today to take the next step toward a brighter future for your family. Your dream home is just a call away—let’s make it yours! Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com